The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 99-68, on Wednesday in the opening scrimmage for both teams in Orlando.
The Pelicans pulled ahead late in the first quarter and took a nine-point lead into the second, where they kept up the momentum to build a 56-35 lead by halftime. The Pelicans pushed their lead to 24 points in the third, but the Nets rallied to make it a 17-point game heading into the final frame. New Orleans bounced back with an 8-0 run to start the fourth and went on to outscore the Nets by a 28-14 margin in the final period to secure the 31-point victory.
Rookie guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and veteran E’Twaun Moore tallied 14 points apiece to lead the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram added 12 points, while Lonzo Ball finished with eight points, three rebounds, three assists and a block.
Meanwhile, for the Nets, Dzanan Musa led the way with 11 points in 27 minutes. Starting at center, Jarrett Allen tallied a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Caris LeVert and Rodions Kurucs each chipped in 10 points. LeVert struggled from the field, hitting just five of 18 attempts in 22 minutes of action.
The Nets’ next scrimmage will take place on Saturday against the Spurs. The Pelicans will also square off against the Nuggets on Saturday.
